End of Year Book Survey [2013]

So I waited until the last minute to participate in this End of Year Book Survey (hosted by Jamie at the Perpetual Page Turner) because I knew I'd be finishing up some awesome books at the last minute and wanted to be able to include them. So... let's talk books, people!

BEST BOOKS IN 2013

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1. Best Book You Read In 2013? (If you have to cheat — you can break it down by genre if you want or 2013 release vs. backlist)

Contemporary YA – Definitely Eleanor & Park and Fangirl. I can't choose between the two. I don't care if that's cheating. You can't make me! Honorable mention to Anna and the French Kiss, by the way.

Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic – Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Historical Fiction – The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Paranormal - Dark Witch by Nora Roberts. Yes, its paranormal romance, but it was my favorite.

Science Fiction - Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Fantasy - Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Would you consider Cinder to be fantasy? Its kinda sci-fi too, but I'll go with it.

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?

The Alchemyst: Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. I eyed this book up for months at the book store, finally got it home and it left a bad taste in my mouth.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2013?

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I literally only picked it up because the hype was getting inside my head and I was so surprisingly in love with it that I stayed up all night finishing it.

4. Book you read in 2013 that you recommended to people most in 2013?

Probably Cinder. I know this sounds blasphemous but I don't recommend books that often (other than through my reviews) because most of my social circle doesn't crazy-read like I do. But I got my cousin to read it, mentioned it to a few people, and bought it for a friend for Christmas, so I think that counts!

5. Best series you discovered in 2013?

Across the Universe by Beth Revis. The only series that I read all the books back to back absolutely could not put down. Loved it!

6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2013?

RAINBOW ROWELL. Absolutely. Hands down. She is amazing and a new favorite of mine.

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. I decided to read this book out of mere boredom and the fact that my sister had already downloaded it on my nook. It was not a book I would normally have picked up, but I enjoyed it so much and plan on reading his other books.

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2013?

Well, a book I absolutely couldn't put down was Eleanor & Park, but I wouldn't exactly call it thrilling. A thrilling read I couldn't put down was A Million Suns by Beth Revis.

9. Book You Read In 2013 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year?

Cinder and Scarlet for sure since I want to re-read them before Cress comes out.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2013?

Hmmm... good question. I'm definitely going to go with...

and that's just the dust jacket. The actual book itself is gorgeous also, inside and out.

11. Most memorable character in 2013?

I'm going to go with Cath from Fangirl on this one. I have never understood and felt so "close" to a character before. She is me. She is all of us. If you haven't read this book, read it, and I guarantee you'll completely understand what I'm getting at.

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2013?

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It may not have been a favorite of mine, but I can't deny how amazing the writing was and how hauntingly beautiful it was in its entirety.

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2013? 

Gee, the biggest impact? I really don't know how to even answer that one... I suppose I'll go with The Book Thief because it invoked the strongest, darkest emotions in me.

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2013 to finally read?

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares. The entire series, really. I think I read book 4 back when the 2nd movie came out, but it meant nothing to me then as it does now. Such a great series, and though I'm severely traumatized by the final book, I can't believe I waited so long to get to it.

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2013?

Eek, that's a tough one. I don't usually remember quotes unless they come from a Jodi Picoult novel because her books are so chock full of them. Can I skip this one? I think I'll skip it. Thanks. :)

16.Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2013?

Well, the shortest book that I actually counted toward my reading goal in 2013 was As They Slip Away by Beth Revis, at 48 pages, which was a novella to the Across the Universe series.

The longest book I've read in 2013 was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at 870 pages (a re-read). Honorable mention to A Game of Thrones at 801 pages.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

Will it get old if I keep saying Eleanor & Park? The final moments of the book that absolutely killed me. I gave the book to my sister immediately so we could then discuss it.

18. Favorite Relationship From A Book You Read In 2013 (be it romantic, friendship, etc).

Cath & Levi in Fangirl. Also, Cath and Reagan. They are fun together. But I can't not mention Eleanor and Park. 

19. Favorite Book You Read in 2013 From An Author You’ve Read Previously

Strangely enough, most of my books this year were by authors I'd only started to read in 2013. So I'm going to go with Dark Witch by Nora Roberts. I read a couple of hers this year and this was the best one.

20. Best Book You Read In 2013 That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else:

I only read one book based solely on recommendation and that was The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Sadly, however, it was not a favorite of mine. As it stands, since it is the only one to make the list in this question, I guess it stays.

21. Genre You Read The Most From in 2013?

Fantasy - no surprise. Honorable mentions to Dystopian and YA Contemporary.

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2013?

Park from Eleanor and Park. He's 16, and I want him to be my boyfriend. Judge me, go ahead.

23. Best 2013 debut you read?

Once again, most of the books I've read this year were debuts or sequels to debuts. So... I think I'll go with Across the Universe by Beth Revis.

24. Most vivid world/imagery in a book you read in 2013?

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It was nothing if not detailed, I can say that for sure.

25. Book That Was The Most Fun To Read in 2013?

This is probably cheating because its a re-read, but the Harry Potter series that I spent the better part of the year re-reading was the most fun I had overall.

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2013?

Book that made me cry the most? The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

Books that made me cry (in order of buckets of tears shed): Sisterhood Everlasting by Ann Brashares, Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, Requiem by Lauren Oliver, A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, Harry Potter's 4-7.

27. Book You Read in 2013 That You Think Got Overlooked This Year Or When It Came Out?

The Pentrals by Crystal Mack. Great debut book that didn't get the attention it deserved.

BOOK BLOGGING/READING LIFE

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1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2013?

This one goes to my best blogging bud: Amber from Paradise of Pages!

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2013?

I don't know if I can objectively choose my favorite review, but I can tell you the most popular one: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini... which is a bit of a surprise now that I realized that considering I'm quite immersed in the YA blogosphere... interesting...

3. Best discussion you had on your blog?

I haven't had very many, but the best, based on stats was one of my very first Harry Potter discussions of the first book, The Sorcerer's Stone.

4. Most thought-provoking review or discussion you read on somebody else’s blog?

We see tons of thought provoking reviews and discussions throughout the year. I don't think it would be fair to try and name one considering I won't remember ones I read months ago and loved, so I'm sorry, but I have no answer :/

5. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)?

I haven't been to any awesome bookish events but I did participate in Armchair BEA which was pretty fun and sparked my interest in going to the real BEA. It will happen!

6. Best moment of book blogging/your book life in 2013?

Um.... it will probably sound inconsequential to you big book bloggers out there who've been doing this for a while, but I think the best moment was when I was approved for some netgalleys and ARCs that I really wanted... that was pretty awesome.

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)?

Once again, oddly enough, it was that review of A Thousand Splendid Suns... weird...

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love?

All of my reviews... except of course for that pesky A Thousand Splendid Suns review, cause that one blew everything else out of the water.

9. Best bookish discovery (book related sites, book stores, etc.)?

GOODREADS!!

10. Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year?

Aha! Yes, I was hoping you would ask. I started this year out with a goal of 40 books for the entire year and I made it to 59! Also, I had a goal to re-read the Harry Potter series and I pulled it off at the last moment!!

LOOKING AHEAD...

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1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2013 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2014?

House of Hades by Rick Riordan. Bought it the day it came out, but I have been holding off due to plans to begin re-reading the entire (two) series next week. But I will get to it!

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2014 (non-debut)?

Cress by Marissa Meyer. I simply cannot wait!!

3. 2014 Debut You Are Most Anticipating?

I don't really keep up on who's book is a debut or not. Is that weird? I generally only care about if fellow bloggers I trust have read it and recommend it, regardless of if the author is brand new or not.

4. Series Ending You Are Most Anticipating in 2014?

Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging In 2014?

Well I have a whole slew of goals for 2014 but I won't bore you with the details. The most important one in my opinion is my goal to read 60 books in 2014. I had a goal to read 40 last year and I killed it by 19, so I figured adding one more can't hurt. I think I can do it!


Well, guys... hasn't this year been something? We've had not-so-awesome things happen (My fiance tore his Achilles tendon and was out of work for 4 months, my mother and brother both broke their arms...), there were some awesome things that happened (I got engaged, I started my career as a paralegal, my fiance began his career as a correctional officer). We met new people, tried new things, and here we are on the cusp of a new year, a new beginning, and a chance to do it all over again! I hope you all make 2014 worth while, because I know I sure will!

Happy New Year to all of you!!

A.

Ultimate Book Tag

Found this little baby on In Love With Words, and thought it would be fun to try. I tag all of you go do it too! Leave your links in the comments section, I cant wait to see what your answers are!


Questions:
1. Do you get sick while reading in the car?Oh God, yes, and it's awful. A boring car ride and all I'd like to do is kick back and read a good book. But noooo. Five minutes in and I'm nauseas and ready for a nap.
2. Which author's writing style is completely unique to you and why?
Nora Roberts - always has been and always will be. She could re-write the telephone book and I'd read it. Her imagery and detail is unmatched in my opinion, along with her humor and knack for leading several stories at once in one novel.

3. Harry Potter Series or the Twilight Saga? Give 3 points to defend your answer.Harry Potter, hands down. I am a fan of Twilight, but (1) Harry Potter is something that has followed me through childhood - I loved it them and I love it now, (2) the characters in HP are strong, adventurous and noble, not depressed, mopey and vulnerable (Bella just isnt my cup of tea), (3) and Rowling creates another WORLD to be a part of, another LIFE with all new friends, places to visit, evil to fight. I mean reallyyy. Its Harry Potter for God sakes.

4. Do you carry a book bag? If so, what is it in (besides books...)?
Umm... well I'm not in school anymore, but when I was in highschool I did. With the obvious notebooks, pens, pencils, textbooks. College I had a bag but no bookbag, and in my purse besides my wallet and cell phone, you'll find the book I'm currently reading and occasionally a notebook if I feel like writing.

5. Do you smell your books?
Lol, sometimes. Not all that often, unless I inadvertently get a wiff and notice how pleasant it smells.

6. Books with or without little illustrations?
Well, I can do without the illustrations unless it is a map or a family tree. Otherwise, I can honestly say I hardly pay attention to them.

7. What book did you love while reading but discovered later it wasn't quality writing? (Ex. I read Twilight before I read HP and thought the writing was amazing but read HP and now think Twilight is a little bit of a joke.)
Well I agree with the question actually to an extent. I read HP a long long time ago, and read Twilight more recently. I was blown away by Twilight, then decided to read HP again after many years and wondered why I even bothered with Twilight.

8. Do you have any funny stories involving books from your childhood? Please share!
No, I unfortunately dont... or I cant remember any, haha.

9. What is the thinnest book on your shelf?
Lord of the Flies by William Golding

10. What is the thickest book on your shelf?
Definitely Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

11. Do you write as well as read? Do you see yourself in the future as being an author?
I love writing, and one of my biggest dreams is being a published author. Not necessarily like JK Rowling living just off of my writing. But published, with readers and fans and the whole 9 yards. I have never completed anything to send to a publisher though. One day I will.

12. When did you get into reading?
I always loved reading as a child and my favorite place to go was the bookstore. In high school it wasnt as cool to read so I didnt read much at all. It was right after I graduated and moved to Pennsylvania, around age 18 that my obsession came back full-force and hasnt stopped since. :)

13. What is your favorite classic book?
Is it sad that I've only read a few, and the only one that sticks with me is Jane Eyre which I honestly didnt love? Ugh, I feel like a failure in the classic books department.

14. In school was your best subject Language Arts/English?
Haha yes it was. I didnt always get straight A's because I did get a bit lazy in high school but I always did very well and enjoyed my English classes more than any others.

15. If you were given a book as a present that you had read before and hated...what would you do?
Pray to God there was a gift receipt...

16. What is a lesser known series that you know of that is similar to Harry Potter or the Hunger Games?There are no books like Harry Potter. I'm sorry. I've been searching high and low for something similar that I can get into and the closest thing that I've liked even half as much was the Percy Jackson series and the spin off series, which mind you, I love very much. As for Hunger Games,  I dont think anything is too similar to that either. Most dystopian YA books have a similar society and an uprising, but nothing crazy like the Games themselves included.

17. What is a bad habit you always do (besides rambling) while blogging?
Post without proofreading. Bad, bad, bad!

18. What is your favorite word?
Ah... I dont know what I have one. Is that weird coming from someone who loves reading and writing so much? I really just dont, haha.

19. Are you a nerd, dork, or dweeb? Or all of the above?
Most definitely a Nerd. Hence - Nerd is the Word. :))

20. Vampires or Fairies? Why?
Eh, well I'm more comfortable with vampires with all the books coming out over the last few years with them. Fairies... not so much. Unless you mean fairies like in Nora Robert's Irish books, which really just means ghosts, which I can deal with.

21. Shapeshifters or Angels? Why?
Uh, well I liked the angels or part angels or whatever in the Mortal Instruments series, so.... why dont we go with that!

22. Spirits or Werewolves? Why?
Definitely werewolves. Way cooler!

23. Zombies or Vampires?
Ugh please no zombies. They are so played out already. Not that vampires arent but with the formerly-impending zombie apocalypse, I've had enough.

24. Love Triangle or Forbidden Love
Forbidden love. I dont like it too much when one person strings two along, even inadvertently.

25. AND FINALLY: Full on romance books or action-packed with a few love scenes mixed in?
Once upon a time I would have preferred full on romance to anything else, but I have since grown and evolved and would prefer something with an alternate storyline with some romance in it.


Cant wait to see your answers!

Manda C.